Police Officer Recruit

City of Seaside, CA

$86K — $105K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • High school graduation or equivalent required
  • Valid California driver's license and safe driving record
  • Age of at least 21 by appointment date as Police Officer
  • Passing scores on PELLETB and WSTB tests within the last year required
  • Physical and psychological fitness per POST guidelines
  • Ability to pass a thorough background investigation
  • Willingness to work varying shifts, including nights and holidays

Responsibilities

  • Attend and complete POST-approved police academy training
  • Learn essential technical skills and knowledge for police work
  • Assume non-sworn duties during training periods
  • Assist in crime prevention and data collection
  • Transport individuals and materials as assigned

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance plans with generous city contributions
  • Vacation, sick leave, and recognized holidays
  • Long-term disability and life insurance coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement for educational advancement
  • Longevity pay and bilingual pay programs for additional compensation
Full Job Description
Salary : $7,202.87 - $8,755.07 Monthly
Location : City Hall, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside, CA 93955, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-09
Department: Police
Opening Date: 04/09/2025

Description
INTERVIEWS WILL BE SCHEDULED ON AN ON-GOING BASIS UNTIL POSITIONS ARE FILLED

APPLICANT PROCESS:
The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Department reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Department.

The testing process for this recruitment will include evaluation and initial screening of the standard on-line City application to determine which candidates progress to the next phase of the recruitment process. In order to qualify, please attach proof of unexpired (one year from exam date) passing scores. A passing score for the PELLETB is 42 points and a passing score for the WSTB is 320 The subsequent selection process will include passing a Personal History Statement in order to qualify for a panel interview.

Background Investigation: Candidates moving forward in the hiring process will be subject to an extensive background investigation including a psychological exam and physical.

DESCRIPTION:
Under direct supervision, attends an approved Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) basic police academy to be trained in the technical knowledge, skills, and physical capabilities required to perform police service; performs related duties as required.
Examples of Duties
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This is a non-sworn, training level classification in the Police Department. Incumbents are sent to a basic police academy for training. During the training, incumbents do not have police powers and are subject to the rules and regulations of the City of Seaside Police Department and the academy attended. Trainees may be assigned non-safety duties in the Police Department such as assisting in prevention; collecting information and data; transporting people and materials, etc. Promotion to a sworn Police Officer position is contingent upon successful completion of the basic academy and the final review of the Police Chief. Upon promotion to Police Officer, incumbents will begin a new one-year probationary period.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Equivalent to graduation from high school
  • Must possess and maintain a current, valid, California drivers license and a safe driving record
  • Must be 21 years old at time of appointment to Police Officer
  • Must attach proof indicating a passing score within the last 12 months of the POST Entry-Level Law Enforcement Test Battery (PELLETB - reading and writing assessment) and the Physical Agility WSTB. A passing score for the PELLETB is 42 points and a passing score for the WSTB is 320
  • Physical health, strength, and agility necessary to meet the physical demands of police work, as determined by a physical agility test and a medical exam (based on current California POST Commission guidelines)
  • Must meet current POST vision guidelines, including those for color, binocular, and peripheral vision
  • Psychological suitability for police work (determined by a psychological exam as required by the California POST Commission)

Special Requirements:
  • Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
  • No felony convictions
  • Ability to pass a comprehensive background investigation which includes a polygraph examination, credit history, driving record, criminal activity, military and employment records, and character references (in accordance with the minimum standards for employment issues by the California POST Commission)


QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to:
  • Understand, interpret, and apply State and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, and other technical literature pertaining to law enforcement;
  • React quickly and calmly in emergency or hazardous situations and adopt an effective course of action;
  • Observe and remember facts and details of incidents;
  • Follow oral and written instructions;
  • Learn to operate firearms safely and skillfully;
  • Obtain information through interview, interrogation, and observation;
  • Write clear and accurate reports;
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work;
  • Communicate verbally in a clear and effective manner; and
  • Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide range of different individuals and groups from the community.

Supplemental Information
Both the PELLETB and Physical Agility certificates/proof must be submitted prior to participating in the panel interview. The closest testing facility to the City of Seaside is administered by South Bay Regional Public Safety Training Consortium (SBRTC).

For more information on testing through the SBRTC, please visit the SBRTC website at:
http://www.theacademy.ca.gov/tests

For more information regarding the testing standards, please visit the POST website at:

DISASTER SERVICE WORKERSAll City of Seaside employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION:

MOU:

APPLICATION PROCESS: A completed City application form is required for this position. Applications must be complete and clearly demonstrate that the minimum qualifications are met. Copies of all required certificates must be attached. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. The standards as stated on the front of this job announcement represent only the minimum required to file an application. Meeting the listed standards does not guarantee that a candidate will be invited for an examination as the Human Resources Division reserves the right to limit the number of candidates to the most qualified for the position as determined by the Human Resources Division.

TESTING PROCESS: The testing process for this recruitment will/may include a written examination, an interview panel, a Chief's Interview, physical agility test, a law enforcement background investigation, polygraph, psychological, physical examination, and drug testing.

LOYALTY OATH OR AFFIRMATION: All City employees are required to sign a loyalty oath and affirmation prior to actual employment.

PROBATIONARY PERIOD: All City employees are required to serve a one year probationary period.

EMPLOYEE SALARY & BENEFITS:

The City of Seaside offers a comprehensive benefit package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance.

Special Pay:

1. Longevity Pay Program: A 2.5% salary increase will be provided after 10 years of service with the City of Seaside.

2. Bilingual Pay Program: Employees can earn up to a 5% salary adjustment for using Spanish and/or Vietnamese in the course of their work (written and/or oral communication).

Health and Welfare Benefits:

1. Blue Shield Medical Plan offered through Municipalities Colleges Schools Insurance Group (MCSIG):
  • Three plans available to choose from.
  • Flexible coverage options and generous City contribution for employees & dependents

2. Guardian Dental Insurance:
  • Calendar Year Deductible (waived for preventive services): $50 per person;
  • Co-Payment for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services using Plan Provider: 20%;
  • Co-Payment for Orthodontic using Plan Provider: 50%;
  • Annual Limit for Preventive, Basic, and Major Services: $1,500;
  • Lifetime Limit for Orthodontic Services: $1,500
3. Vision Service Plan:
  • Co-Payment for Annual Exams (with Plan Provider): $10
  • Co-Payment for Bi-Annual Lenses & Frames: $25
  • Maximum Benefit for lenses, frames, and contact lenses: $130

4. Long Term Disability Plan: After 90 day elimination period, plan pays 67% of salary to a maximum of $9,000 per month. City and employee split premium 50/50.

5. Life Insurance: $50,000 term life insurance policy (City paid).

Retirement Benefits: Civilian Personnel

California Public Employees' Retirement System: The plan you are enrolled in is based on the Public Employees Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) and the City's contract with CalPERS. In order to determine which plan you will be placed into, you need to know if CalPERS considers you to be a "new" or "classic" member.

As defined by PEPRA, a "new member" includes:
  • A member who first established CalPERS membership prior to January 1, 2013, and who is rehired by a different CalPERS employer after a break in service of greater than six months.
  • A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time on or after January 1, 2013, and who has no prior membership in any California public retirement system
  • A new hire who is brought into CalPERS membership for the first time after January 1, 2013, and who is not eligible for reciprocity with another California public retirement system.
All members that don't fall into the above definitions are considered to be "classic members."

1. "Classic" PERS Members - Tier 1 (hired prior to January 1, 2011):
  • Plan: 2% @ 55
  • Employee Contribution Rate: 12% (Pre-Tax)
  • Retirement based on single highest year
2. "New" PERS Members - Tier 2 (hired on or after January 1, 2013):
  • Plan: 2% @ 62
  • Employee Contribution: 14.5% (may be adjusted annually - required to be 50% of Normal Cost as determined by CalPERS)
4. Deferred Compensation Matching Program (IRS 457 Plan): The City of Seaside will match employee's contribution up to $50 per month.

Paid Time Off:

1. Vacation Time: Employees earnup to 21 days of vacation annually depending on years of service.

2. Sick Leave: Employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month.

3. Holidays: The City recognizes 12 paid holidays annually.

Continuing Education:

1. Tuition Reimbursement: Up to $500 per fiscal year for Certificate Program and AA plan, $3,000 per fiscal year for BA and MA.

2. Educational Incentive Pay: Up to 7% for qualifying degree programs.
01

Your application must include the following:1. At least 10 years of employment history (assuming you have been employed for ten years)2. Explanation for any gaps in employment3. A reason for leaving each job4. Three professional references (including names and phone numbers of present and past supervisors or managers, or persons for whom you have directly provided services, not peers)5. A clear demonstration in your application and responses to supplemental questions, of all relevant education and expe

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at City of Seaside, CA

  • Police Officer Recruit
    $86K — $105K *
    Seaside, CA 93955 (Monterey County)
    Education, Government & Non-Profit
    In-Person

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

Find similar Police Officer Recruit jobs: